On representation, education, and d-Orbital Games: a chat with Dr. Zach Thammavongsy

Dr. Zach Thammavongsy, Ph.D (he/him) is a Laotian American chemist interested in chemical education and inorganic chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Irvine in 2019, and received his Master and Bachelor of Science from Western Washington University. Currently, Dr. Thammavongsy is a Grand Challenge Initiative postdoctoral fellow at Chapman University where I teach science reading/writing and conduct research in the field of main group chemistry. He is currently seeking a tenure track position where I am able to teach, mentor, and cultivate young chemistry learners both in- and outside- of the classroom. Dr. Thammavongsy is also the founder of d-Orbital Games, where he sells chemistry-based pins and board games. Outside of the lab and classroom Zach likes to watch anime shows/movies, discover new food places with his wife, design games/pins, play board games with friends, and talk with younger people about their goals. You can follow Zach on Twitter @zacharythammav1. 

Zach's Favorites

Favorite board game?: This is a tough choice. I would say my favorite board game to play right now is “Patchwork,” but I usually play party games, or games that involves a larger crowd (8 or more).

Favorite comfort food?: Any food that my mom makes is my favorite comfort food. Laotian dishes are so delicious, especially when the dishes are made by my super talented mother.

What’s on your watchlist?: As of right now, I am eagerly awaiting for the new Demon Slayer season to release. Though this isn’t part of the question, my booklist consist of The KingKiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss. I been waiting 10 years for the last book in the trilogy to drop. Lastly, the Chemistea podcast is on my playlist. I’m excited to listen to all the weekly episodes.

Song to get you hyped: Motivational music on Youtube. Where there is a motivational speaker providing general encouragement. Just like I encourage my students, I find it energizing to have someone encourage me (even if it is some strange voice on youtube).

Episode Links:

d-Orbital Games: https://www.dorbitalgames.org/

Want $15 off your next d-Orbital Games purchase? Use the code Chemistea04 will give a $15 discount for the first TWO individuals who redeem the code! Get your deal before it's gone! 

Chemistea is a chemistry and science podcast founded by Lucy Yang (she/her), currently a fourth-year undergraduate at UC Irvine, studying chemistry and biological sciences. Some of the most famous scientific collaborations and discoveries were born from a conversation over tea, and on her podcast, Lucy aims to combine her love of talking with her love of sharing and hearing stories—stories about others' passion for science, their journeys, and any and all fun shenanigans in between. You can follow Lucy on twitter @isolucyine. She is also the founder of The Kawaii Chemist, a shop where you can find cute chemistry stickers and merch, where 100% of profit goes to charity. You can check out The Kawaii Chemist here, and you can donate to support Kawaii Chemist and the Chemistea podcast here. Thank you listening!